Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos kneels on the ground before their game against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California.

Denver Broncos running back Correll Buckhalter (28) and quarterback Tim Tebow (15) kneel on the sidelines during the final minutes of their loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 12, 2010, at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The Broncos quarterback learned of the Internet phenomenon — individuals taking pictures of themselves while kneeing in a prayer pose — from teammate Von Miller, who was the first Bronco to practice the art of Tebowing.

“Goofball,” Tebow said, laughing.

Tebow then went online and saw dozens of pictures from across the country posted by people who had uploaded photos of themselves in the Tebowing pose.

“What’s funny about it is how rapidly it’s caught on, and how much it has taken off,” Tebow said Friday in the Broncos’ locker room.

Tebow said he understands that some people might be using Tebowing to mock him, or religion in general. He is more excited, though, about those who are taking it seriously.

“It’s not my job to see peoples’ reasons behind it, but I know (of a kid) with cancer that tweeted me, ‘Tebowing while I’m chemoing’ — how cool is that?” Tebow said. “That’s worth it right now. If that gives him any encouragement or puts a smile on his face, or gives him encouragement to pray, that’s completely awesome.”

Denver native Jared Kleinstein started the Tebowing website earlier this week after he and his friends took a picture outside a New York City bar of the group in Tebow’s prayer pose. The fad exploded online by Thursday afternoon.

Kleinstein’s initial definition of “Tebowing” was “to get down on a knee and start praying, even if everyone else around you is doing something completely different.”

Tebow fully supports that definition.

“It is serious, for me,” Tebow said. “At least it’s being talked about, and that’s a cool thing. If I can help be an example of that, then I look at that as a blessing.”

CenturyLink, the telecommunications company that ended its sponsorship agreement with Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall because of his protests during the national anthem last year, said it will not terminate its agreement with current client Emmanuel Sanders.